Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Michael. Ranboo always disliked children. He did not have any specific reason for it. Maybe it was just that children made him nervous. They always tried to pull his tail. And they always were loud. Ranboo liked the silence. It gave him room to think so of course he did not EXCEPT to come home with a fucking child curled up in his arms. Well, I guess this was just different. Oh well….
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The purple slowly faded out of his eyes and his brain was not spinning anymore. The world around him became more clear as he walked away from the portal.
He hissed, Ranboo did not like the heat. He preferred the cold mountains of his home. And when it snowed… Anyways don’t think about that now. He was just here for one thing: a wither skull. It would look very cool at his fireplace.
He thought about how proud Tubbo would be of him. Maybe he would even get a hug! Ranboo liked hugs. They were warm but not too warm. It made him feel like he was loved. And the best thing was if Tubbo would play with his hair. That may be stupid, but the touch is so nice. He could completely sink into that feeling right now. But no, that would distract him!
He knew he had a long mission ahead of him. And he was not even sure if he knew how to teleport around in the nether. At least there was no water here.
Ranboo started running around, parkouring over those weird red trees. They looked stupid, the green ones were so much cooler. He scanned the land that flashed by as he ran through the biomes looking for a fortress. Oh, there was one. It was right in a big lava pool. That sucked. He would have to use at least 2 stacks of blocks to get there over all that lava.
Or he could try to teleport, it was in eyesight so it could work. And he did not feel like wasting materials if the solution was that easy. So he took one look at the fortress, spectating it to find a good place to land. And he closed his eyes to teleport.
He preferred to just not teleport. Although Ranboo would never admit it, he was not the best at it. Sure, he knew all the coordinates so that wasn’t the issue. It was just that he would always be a little too long between earth and the galaxy. And maybe he always had a slight headache once he was done teleporting, but no one could proof that.
It still bothered him and made him feel like he was upsetting an entire generation of Endermans. It was not his fault nobody tried to bother to learn him. So he learned it himself. And really, it sucked to always deal with headaches, but the worst part is when… oh well. That was not important right now!
As Ranboo landed on the fortress and tried to get his brain to just not spin for a fucking moment, he looked around and saw lots of mobs coming towards him. He took out his sword and gritted his teeth, he did not like to get blood on him, but this was for something important. He needed that damn skull to make Tubbo proud, to get that smile out of him. He had not been smiling for a while now… That was the only thought that ran through Ranboo’s mind while he sliced his sword into a skeleton.
Smile, smile, smile. A good husband you are a good person! Love you! The best duo, I’m there for you!
As Ranboo put back his sword he sighed. He scanned the bodies that lay on the floor. There were many bodies, but there was not one wither skeleton. That sucked, all that blood on him for nothing. The white part of his face felt like it now must be completely black of all the blood.
While Ranboo tried his best to get it off his face he heard a noise. It was almost not noticeable, it sounded like crying. Ranboo would have missed it if he wasn’t standing still right now. He looked around, he saw nothing. he sighed, he knew what he was going to do right now. He knew that of course, he was going to search for that sound and in the end go back home without a wither skull. Was he going to do it anyway? Yes, of course, he would. He would do the right thing anytime in the world.
Ranboo sighed deeply, murmured a curse, and walked towards the sound. He stopped, because what the fuck was that? He saw a baby zombie Piglin on the floor. Right next to it was a plushie of a chicken.
Shit, this was not what he was waiting for. Ranboo just stood there, debating if he should leave or pick up the child. While he was looking at it from above, he noticed the child barely had any clothes on. Ranboo immediately took off his blazer just to realize it was a fucking Piglin. He probably was heat resistant. Awkwardly, Ranboo stood there with the jacket still in his arms. He hesitated for a moment, before getting on his knees to roll the child into the jacket like a burrito. He made sure not to harm the child in the process and he also made sure to not get any blood on him.
Ranboo sighed. The child looked a little bit less helpless. He could leave now, he did what he could do for that pig. But strangely enough, the thought of stepping away made his heart ache. Like he was leaving something. Ranboo scoffed at the thought, it was an old jacket that he did not need. That’s not it and you know it. Ranboo grumbled. He did not want to take the child with him, his parents must be waiting for him.
Why would they leave a kid alone, his parents must be dead.
Ranboo froze as he remembered what he had been doing 10 minutes ago. Could he have killed this child’s parents..? No of course not! There were not any Zombie Piglins here. And if they were here, they would not bother him because he was wearing gold.
Yes, so there is nobody to take this child home, hug it, and love it. Give it a warm smile like any parent would.
Smile. Ranboo thought of his husband who was waiting at home for him. A warm smile like a sun. If he would take this child, would that be the right thing to do…?
Good person, you make good decisions. Beautiful, love you so much.
And without really thinking about it, Ranboo picked up the child. Made sure not to squeeze him as he held him close. Picked up his plushie and walked away. He did not run and made sure not to teleport because he did not want to make the child throw up in his arms.
While he was walking over the bridge he made -of the 2 stacks of blocks he had- he looked at the child. It had pink curls that reminded him of Techno, he had one ear, and his teeth were tiny. Ranboo thought that the child probably a year or 3 was. And one thing was sure, this child needed a bath. Ranboo smiled at the child that meanwhile had fallen asleep.
Dad, you are a dad.
Ranboo shook his head, caregiver. He was not going to adopt this child. Only take care of it for a while.
He smiled and softly said: ‘’Hi, I’m Ranboo, I get that you are confused, but don’t worry. People have said I’m very nice so it must be true..’’
The child slept, the whole journey to the way back home. And once he had opened his sleepy eyes, Ranboo was still holding him.
And that is how Tubbo found them. Ranboo, covered in blood on his bed, with a child in his arms that was wearing his jacket, he had his head on Ranboo’s chest and he looked at Tubbo curious. Tubbo stood in the doorway, before walking towards Ranboo, giving a kiss on his head and picking up the child.
‘’Well, aren’t you just a little potato, what’s your name?’’
The child did not answer. Just looked at Tubbo with big eyes, holding onto his chicken plushie. Tubbo looked at the plushie and realized that it had a nametag. He slowly took it from the child, murmuring an apology as the child protested.
Name: Egg, this belongs to Michael.
Tubbo smiled. ‘’Well, Michael. I’m Tubbo and that tall Enderman over there is Ranboo.’’
The child made a small noise before continuing to chew on his chicken. Tubbo laughed, ‘’All right let’s get you a bath!’’
And when Ranboo woke up. Tubbo was laying next to him, and the child was in his arms. Ranboo tried to sit straight but Tubbo made a noise of complaint.
‘’Raaaanboooo, stay, I’m tired, let’s sleep!’’
‘’I- uh the child!’’ Ranboo whispered. ‘’I’m sorry I found him and-‘’ Before Ranboo could continue, Tubbo shut him up with a gentle smack on his face.
‘’His name is Michael, and now let’s sleep for the love of god.’’
Ranboo closed his eyes and tried not to think about tomorrow. He would figure it all out, but not now. Right now he has hugging his husband and Michael. And at that moment, somehow Ranboo knew that tomorrow was going to be just as good.
Ranboo woke up from a painful feeling. Sleepy, he looked around, looking for the thing that hurt him.
‘’Ow! FUCK!’’
Ranboo was awake now. He sat straight and looked down. His eyes widened. There was Michael, pulling at his tail with all the power he had. Ranboo lifted Michael in the air, ignoring Michael’s protesting. He placed him on his lap and tried to look angry.
‘’No Michael! Don’t hurt me like that, that’s mean!’’
Michael looked at him with big eyes, and suddenly his eyes started watering.
‘’ah, shit no don’t cry, I’m sorry!’’ Ranboo whispered.
And before Michael could cry, Ranboo started hugging him while he whispered apologies. Michael made a happy noise while he laughed at Ranboo.
Smile, such a happy smile, love you already.
Ranboo played with Michael’s hair while he wondered what the best next move was. Not only did he take a random child with him. He did not even get irritated when the child woke him up by pulling his tail. How strange. It was like this child was different. I mean sure, it was loud and kind of irritating. But Ranboo felt like it did not matter, maybe he could love this child. As a caretaker of course!
Are you sure? Caretaker? You know you don’t mean that.
Ranboo pushed the thought away and stood up. He placed Michael on the bed and went to the bathroom to change and get ready. After all, he still had blood on him from the day before.
When he got back to the bedroom Michael was still on the bed, playing with his Plushie. When he saw Ranboo, he made a noise of excitement and ran towards him. Ranboo picked him up and laughed. He walked downstairs carrying Michael and wondered what he should feed him. Maybe he could search it up.
Ranboo placed Michael on a chair while grabbing his iPhone. A quick google search was enough and he looked in the fridge. He got some oatmeal and milk and started making oatmeal porridge. Apparently, Piglins could eat almost everything.
He grabbed a spoon and placed it next to the big bowl of Porridge. He placed Michael on the chair at the table and decided to sit next to him. Ranboo had made some tea for himself and he took a sip while he watched Michael. Michael just sat there. Not even touching the spoon or the bowl. He looked at it with big eyes. Ranboo realized maybe in the nether the mobs ate differently. Embarrassed he had not thought about cultural differences, Ranboo picked up the spoon and got a nice spoonful of the food.
‘’say: aaaaah,’’ Ranboo said as he decided it would be the best plan to just feed Michael.
Michael did not hesitate and let himself be fed. Once the bowl was empty, he giggled and looked satisfied. Ranboo did not look as happy, because Michael was a mess, he was not the cleanest eater. Ranboo sighed as he stood up again to pick up a towel.
While he was searching for one in the cabinets, Tubbo came downstairs and plopped down on a chair next to Michael. Sipping from the tea Ranboo did not yet have finished.
‘’Wow, he is a mess.’’ Tubbo commented while he stood up again to kiss Ranboo.
‘’Good morning to you too, yes I noticed, I’ve already grabbed a towel.’’
Ranboo gave Tubbo the towel as he began making himself another tea. Tubbo huffed and began cleaning Michael.
While Ranboo sat down and began drinking his new tea, he noticed how Tubbo looked happy while he cleaned Michael. How happy he looked busy chatting about shit. Ranboo smiled as he listened to Tubbo who told Ranboo that he bathed Michael yesterday and how he found a sweater that he gave Michael.
See, he loves him too. Perfect picture, happy morning. Wish every day could be like this.
‘’Hey, Boo do you hear me?’’ Tubbo poked his cheek
‘’I’m sorry I was in thought what did you say?’’ Ranboo answered, looking at Tubbo.
‘’Where did you find this little potato, he is so cute.’’
Ranboo looks down. A part of him wondered if he made the right decisions.
‘’I- Uhm. I found him in a fortress. He was all alone and I don’t know. I felt like it was right to take him home, he was crying.’’ Ranboo says, staring into Tubbo’s dark eyes.
Brown eyes, beautiful dark hair, and a beautiful face. Perfect, you are perfect.
Tubbo smiled and picked up Michael.
‘’well, I guess we have to buy some clothes in your size, Michael. And maybe some toys?’’
seemingly not questioning the fact that Ranboo did not even discuss things before bringing Michael home.
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And that is how they found themselves in a clothing store, getting the right sizes and throwing stuff in the cart. Ranboo looked at Tubbo. He looked so happy. Chatting about getting a scarf for Michael as it was getting quite cold outside.
Ranboo felt very happy after that trip. He carried some bags while Tubbo was holding Michael.
‘’Ow, while we’re in town, let’s get some more eggs. I saw that we almost ran out.’’ Tubbo says Ranboo nods, and they walk into the next grocery store they see.
Tubbo gets a cart and places Michael in it. Promising him some candy if he’s a good boy and stays seated. While they walk across the baking supplies Ranboo sees Michael looking at the chocolate chips with big eyes. Without really thinking about it. Ranboo grabs some bags and places them on Michaels’s lap. Tubbo doesn’t question it. And Michael seems focused on making sure the chocolate doesn’t fall.
‘’Hey Tubbo, what’s up man!?’’
Ranboo looks around to see who shouted that loud, although he kind of already knows.
Of course, it’s Tommy. Who else shouts like that with no shame?
‘’Hey toms, just getting some groceries, you?’’ Tubbo asks. Stopping the cart to have a chat.
‘’Oh, just getting some stuff for Shroud. You know, as the good dad that I am.’’ Tommy laughs.
‘’Of course, I always forgot that you’re a dad. With all that shouting of you, I always think you’re a child.’’ Ranboo murmurs.
‘’Hey, I am NOT a child! I’m 20 dickhead!’’ Tommy shouts. ‘’Besides, I am a very big man.’’
Ranboo rolls his eyes. Turning back to Michael to pat him on his head.
‘’Ow yeah, who is that boy Tubbo?’’ Tommy questions.
Ranboo freezes, a million answers in his head how he could explain how he and Tubbo kind of just bought him all the stuff like Michael was a permanent thing.
Isn’t it permanent? Tubbo is talking about winter and which is like a month away. Just admit it, you and Tubbo are playing family!
Ranboo is still not answering. But Tubbo answers before him. ‘’Well, this is Michael. We just got him some clothes. And I found such a cute sweater for Shroud by the way.’’ Tubbo answers. Like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, although it isn’t!
‘’Well, that poggers! Maybe I will come to you guys tomorrow with Shroud, that would be nice.’’
‘’Kay, see you tomorrow Toms!’’ Tubbo says as he turns back to Michael. Picking him up from the cart.
‘’let’s go home Ranboo.’’
While they walk home Tubbo lets Michael walk for himself, although he makes sure to hold his hand and warn him before they cross a road. Ranboo smiles as he sees it. Tubbo cares for Michael.
When they get home, Tubbo unloads the groceries and cleans the mess from breakfast, while Ranboo places Michael on the couch and makes him a sandwich. Nobody says anything. But it’s not an awkward silence, the only sound comes from Michael who is chewing on his chicken again. Ranboo sits next to Michael and gives him a sandwich. After feeding him one bite. He gives it to Michael to eat for himself.
While Michael nibbles from his bread. Tubbo comes sits next to Ranboo.
‘’I saw that you got chocolate chips, are you going to bake something? I never see you bake.’’
Ranboo nods. ‘’Yes, but I saw that Michael was looking at them. Figured I could try to bake some cookies.’’
Tubbo laughs. ‘’Okay, try following the recipe this time.’’
Ranboo nods, turning red as he remembers the last time he tried to bake something. He put way too much icing on it.
The clock ticks, the fire makes its own sound. Tsk, tsk, tsk. It almost sounds like music if you listen to it.
Tubbo places his head on Ranboo’s chest. ‘’Ranboo, are you nervous?’’
Ranboo freezes. Not knowing what to answer. Why does Tubbo know him so well?
Because he is your husband. He loves you. You’re nervous. Tell him. He will understand.
Ranboo sighs, thinking what a good explanation is. Tubbo waits patiently for Ranboo, watching Michael from the corner of his eye.
‘’well, I guess I just don’t know what to do. I found Michael, and brought him home without discussing things first. Then we bought him clothes and toys. And now he is sitting with us on the couch. I guess I am just confused.’’
Ranboo closes his eyes. Listening to Tubbo breathe. He wraps his tail around Tubbo’s leg.
‘’Well, uh I mean I understand. I am also confused, but I was silently praying that we would not get into this conversation.’’ Tubbo says.
Ranboo opens his eyes. And looks at Tubbo.
Your fault, your fault. You did something he did not like. No more hugs, no more calling each other husband. You ruined it like you always do.
Tubbo sees the panic in his eyes and sighs. ‘’I don’t mean it like that. I’m sorry I did not choose the right words. I- Uhm I mean. Ugh, I don’t know how to say it. I just really adore Michael, and I’m scared that if we would have this conversation, we would decide when Michael had to leave again...’’
Ranboo sighs in relief. Then he realizes what Tubbo was saying. ‘’I was not planning on making Michael leave actually.’’ Ranboo murmurs. Picking up Michael and placing him on his lap, patting his head.
Tubbo sits straight all of a sudden. ‘’Wait, you didn’t?’’
‘’No, I mean I want him to stay. I don’t care in which way.’’ Ranboo says. Sighing. ‘’I know this might sound very crappy and shit. But I just adore him, and I don’t want him to leave. It makes me so happy to see you crossing a road with him. Or even just knowing that you care about him. I love you both a lot. And you know, you haven’t been smiling a lot lately. But today, you seemed really happy.’’ He stops, not knowing if maybe that was a bit too much. Instead, he focuses on making a little braid of Michael’s curls.
‘’Ranboo…’’
Ranboo lifts his head to look Tubbo in the eyes.
‘’Have you ever thought of adopting?’’
Ranboo stops braiding Michael’s hair. His heart racing.
‘’Why do you ask?’’
Tubbo comes close to Ranboo and kisses him on his cheek.
‘’well, I mean. Technically we could adopt Michael.’’
Ranboo smiles. Not knowing what to say.
How about: yes?
‘’I, uhm. I w-would love t-that.’’ Ranboo stammers. Tubbo smiles. Taking Michael over from Ranboo and placing him between the two of them.
‘’Great.’’
He hugs Ranboo and Ranboo hugs him back. Michael, who doesn’t know what is happening, makes complaining noises as he also wants attention. Tubbo laughs. Grabbing Michael between them for a group hug. Ranboo smiles. Feeling really happy for the first time in a while.